Is your pet a baller? Enter them in the Mini Hoopers cutest pet contest

Got a pet who is obsessed with their ball and acts like it’s theirs?

Take a quick picture with a basketball — paws on it, chasing it, “dribbling,” a mini “dunk,” anything that makes it look like they’re part of the play. Then submit it for your little hooper to have a chance to win a cash prize of $3,000 and the title of America’s Cutest Pet Baller.

The Action Network and Better Collective USA invite everyone throughout the nation with a furry family member to enter the Mini Hoopers: America’s Cutest Pet Ballers contest.

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (5:59 p.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time) on Jan. 16, 2026.

How to Enter

Complete the official Mini Hoopers: America’s Cutest Pet Ballers entry form:

• Upload one (1) photo featuring your pet and a basketball.
• Confirm that you own all rights to the photo and that it’s not generated by artificial intelligence.
• Provide your name, email address and any requested social media handles.
• Confirm you are a legal U.S. resident at least 18 years old and agree to the terms and conditions.

Eligibility

• Open to legal residents of the United States only.
• Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry.
• Limit one entry per person (one pet photo).

Submissions are reviewed for eligibility and brand safety. If something doesn’t meet the basic requirements, a photo might not be be included.

Still, if it’s your pet + a basketball, send it. No need to nitpick.

Photo Tips and Requirements

This is meant to stay simple and fun. If your photo includes your pet and a basketball, you’re in the right place. The best shots just make it feel like your pet is actually in the action.

Quick tips to make your entry pop:

• Make your pet the clear star of the photo (centered/in focus).
• If you can, catch a moment where your pet looks like they’re playing with the ball — paws on it, nudging it, chasing it, etc.
• Try to keep the ball visible in the frame so the full scene can be viewed.

Other important stuff (so your entry is accepted):

You must own the rights to the photo and have permission from anyone who appears.

People can appear, but the photo should still clearly feature your pet + the basketball.

Submissions that prominently feature third-party trademarks, logos or branded materials that could imply sponsorship, endorsement or affiliation — including professional sports leagues or teams — can be rejected or removed by the organizer.

Entries that are offensive, inappropriate or otherwise violate the terms and conditions could be disqualified.

Key Dates

• Contest closes: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (5:59 p.m. Hawai’i Standard Time) Jan. 16, 2026
• Winner announcement: On or before Jan. 23, 2026.

What You Can Win

• Grand Prize: $3,000, delivered via PayPal or another payment method chosen by the organizer.
• Bragging rights as the official Mini Hoopers: America’s Cutest Pet Ballers winner.
• Potential feature across The Action Network/Better Collective USA channels (publication not guaranteed).

When and How You’ll Be Notified

A potential winner will be selected after the contest closes and will be contacted on or before Jan. 23, 2026, via the email address provided on the entry form.

If the potential winner doesn’t respond within the time frame specified in the notification email — or is found to be ineligible under these rules — an alternate potential winner could be selected at the organizer’s discretion.

Visit the contest web page for additional information or to submit an entry. You also can email to earnedmedia@bettercollective.com with any questions.